Uplifted pray’d,[8] of Jove not unobserved. Pelasgian, Dodonæan Jove supreme, Dwelling remote, who on Dodona’s heights Snow-clad reign’st Sovereign, by thy seers around Compass’d the Selli, prophets vow-constrain’d285 To unwash’d feet and slumbers on the ground! Plain I behold my former prayer perform’d, Myself exalted, and the Greeks abased. Now also grant me, Jove, this my desire! Here, in my fleet, I shall myself abide,290 But lo! with all these Myrmidons I send My friend to battle. Thunder-rolling Jove, Send glory with him, make his courage firm! That even Hector may himself be taught, If my companion have a valiant heart295 When he goes forth alone, or only then The noble frenzy feels that Mars inspires When I rush also to the glorious field. But when he shall have driven the battle-shout Once from the fleet, grant him with all his arms,300 None lost, himself unhurt, and my whole band Of dauntless warriors with him, safe return! Such prayer Achilles offer’d, and his suit Jove hearing, part confirm’d, and part refused; To chase the dreadful battle from the fleet305 He gave him, but vouchsafed him no return. Prayer and libation thus perform’d to Jove The Sire of all, Achilles to his tent Return’d, replaced the goblet in his chest, And anxious still that conflict to behold310 Between the hosts, stood forth before his tent. Then rush’d the bands by brave Patroclus led, Full on the Trojan host. As wasps forsake Their home by the way-side, provoked by boys Disturbing inconsiderate their abode,315 Not without nuisance sore to all who pass, For if, thenceforth, some traveller unaware Annoy them, issuing one and all they swarm Around him, fearless in their broods’ defence, So issued from their fleet the Myrmidons320 Undaunted; clamor infinite arose, And thus Patroclus loud his host address’d. Oh Myrmidons, attendants in the field On Peleus’ son, now be ye men, my friends! Call now to mind the fury of your might;325 That we, close-fighting servants of the Chief Most excellent in all the camp of Greece, May glory gain for him, and that the wide- Commanding Agamemnon, Atreus’ son, May learn his fault, that he dishonor’d foul330 The prince in whom Achaia glories most. So saying he fired their hearts, and on the van Of Troy at once they fell; loud shouted all The joyful Grecians, and the navy rang. Then, soon as Ilium’s host the valiant son335 Saw of Menœtius and his charioteer In dazzling armor clad, all courage lost, Their closest ranks gave way, believing sure That, wrath renounced, and terms of friendship chosen, Achilles’ self was there; thus thinking, each340 Look’d every way for refuge from his fate. Patroclus first, where thickest throng he saw Gather’d tumultuous around the bark Of brave Protesilaüs, hurl’d direct At the whole multitude his glittering spear.345 He smote Pyræchmes; he his horsemen band Pœonian led from Amydon, and from Broad-flowing Axius. In his shoulder stood The spear, and with loud groans supine he fell.